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10 - 14 May 2023

As soon as you arrive in Hobart you will be welcomed into your new Convention home away from home. We have selected 4 hotels that all have sensational views of Hobart, have fantastic central locations and provide all the comfort and luxury that you are used to at a First National Convention.

All four properties are just a short, picturesque walk from the main convention event space and all convention activities. You will eat your breakfast each day at your hotel before embarking on the day's convention adventures!

Princes Wharf No.1 (PW1) is Tasmania’s premier unique, multi-purpose function and event venue. Located on the scenic waterfront in the heart of the historic Salamanca Precinct, PW1 is just a five-minute walk from central Hobart, our hotels, restaurants and activities.

All of our chosen hotels are just a stones throw away from the event space, and a short, leisurely, and picturesque walk will get you there. See below our map referencing the important locations.

Princes Wharf was originally known as ‘New Wharf’ which was created in the 1830’s to serve a rapidly growing fleet of local and overseas whale ships. The original waterfront extended all the way to the Salamanca Place sandstone warehouses, and over subsequent decades the land was filled in and levelled.

It soon became the hub of the southern hemisphere shipping ports. Berthed along its length were whale ships, as well as trading vessels bound for Europe with whale oil, timber and coal from the local Tasmanian suppliers. The shed was also used as a temporary shelter for wharf workers.

New Wharf was renamed in 1902 in honour of Prince George the Duke of York, who visited Australia to open the country’s first parliament at Federation. The Royal Yacht Ophir brought him to Hobart and was tied up at New Wharf. By this time, whaling had finished and finger piers had been built into deeper waters on the Cove to cope with larger vessels and increasing trade.

Repairs and expansion of Princes Pier – between 1936 and 1939 the whole wharf was rebuilt in concrete, including the building, which has now been renovated to form today’s PW 1.

In 2010, the Tasmanian Government announced the Princes Wharf Renewal Project.

After consultation with numerous stakeholders, it was decided that the venue should maintain its heritage façade, and the internal space be redesigned as a first class multi-purpose function and events venue, suitable for a variety of types and sizes of events, and designed to benefit the entire Tasmanian community.

At the First National Convention, we have created a perfect blend of learning, fun, networking and relaxation. Whether it is learning new skills to take back to your office, catching up with old friends, or creating memories from unique experiences that you are after, we have you covered!

Check out below all the times you need to know so you don't miss any of the action!!

WEDNESDAY 10 MAY - DAY 1

2.00 PM Registration - Crowne Plaza

5.30 PM  Welcome Drinks - Crowne Plaza

7.00 PM  Free Evening

THURSDAY 11 MAY - DAY 2

Breakfast - AT YOUR HOTEL

7.00 AM  Good Start Wellness Session (1/2 hour) - Crowne Plaza Ballroom

8.45 AM  Convention Opening - PW1

10.00 AM  Sponsor & Product Expo / Morning Tea - PW1

11.00 AM  Sessions - PW1

12.00 PM  Sponsor & Product Expo / Lunch - PW1

1.00 PM  Sessions - PW1

2.00 PM  Sponsor & Product Expo - PW1

2.30 PM Sessions - PW1

3.30 PM  Free Time

5.30 PM  Pre Awards Drinks - PW1 

7.00 PM  National Awards - PW1

FRIDAY 12 MAY - DAY 3

Breakfast - AT YOUR HOTEL

7.00 AM  Good Start Wellness Session (1/2 hour) - Crowne Plaza Ballroom

9.00 AM  Taste of Australia Showcase - Crowne Plaza Ballroom

1.00 PM  Free Afternoon

6.00 PM  Free Evening

SATURDAY 13 MAY - DAY 4

Breakfast - AT YOUR HOTEL

8.00 AM  AGM - PW1

8.30 AM  Sponsor & Product Expo - PW1

9.45 AM  Keynote Speaker - Mark Bouris - PW1

11.00 AM  FINA Fair Day - PW1

3.00 PM  Free Afternoon

6.00 PM  Great Aussie BBQ Extravaganza - PW1

Featuring eleven informative sessions across a range of topics, our breakout sessions boast an incredible array of speakers, and will provide you with the knowledge and equip you with the tools to advance in your career, and become the best version of yourself. Whether you’re looking to learn how to undertake a digital audit of your brand, take the leap to management or ownership, or understand the ins and outs of wealth generation, there truly is something for everyone.

Thursday, May 11th

Launching for the very first time in Hobart, the FI NA Theatre is a comprehensive demo zone that will show you how to utilise a broad range of products and services to make you the preferred name and an industry leader in your suburb, town, or city. We’ll put the spotlight on products such as REA Connect’s advanced prospecting tool, the power of AI and ChatGPT, and the newly upgraded, Canva-powered Design Hub, giving you a hands-on look at everything that your First National membership offers you, to help make your business better.

Thursday, May 11th

Natural and unmistakably Australian!

Dave Hughes is one of this country’s fastest comedic minds. Turning everyday foibles into rich and hilarious routines delivered in his classic laconic style, Hughesy owns the stage.

Having dominated comedy clubs and stages for decades across the country, Dave’s comedy career has expanded into television and radio. Dave currently co-hosts the hugely popular radio show The Morning Crew with Hughesy, Ed and Erin on the HIT Network. He is a judge on the Network Ten’s The Masked Singer, wherein his incredible wardrobe, dad dancing and absolutely bonkers guesses have been highlights of this unique, runaway hit show.

Dave appears regularly on all your favourite Aussie tv programs including The Hundredon Channel Nine, Celebrity Gogglebox, and Would I Lie To You? Australia both on Network Ten. Dave’s tv show Hughesy We Have a Problem, premiered on Network Ten in early 2018 to rave reviews and big audiences and ran for five consecutive seasons.

In 2022, Hughesy brought us a brand-new live show called Trending, which he performed at The Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe Festival. Hughesy’s passion for his craft has never waned, and that’s why you will still find him any night of the week jumping up at comedy clubs big and small across the country. 

And we are lucky enough to have him at our National Awards night!! Its going to be big!
 

One of the nation’s foremost financial advisors whose expertise
has led to high-profile media and corporate arenas.

Having built his reputation as a finance specialist in the top echelon of corporate life, Mark Bouris AM has always been willing to share his boardroom of knowledge with rank-and-file Australians.

Examples of his financial panache are already well-known to thousands of Australians through his previous forays on national television as host of The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice on the Nine Network, as well as through his The Mentor podcast with Southern Cross Austereo.

Mark Bouris has established a successful career, from building disruptive businesses to challenging the market and providing smarter solutions for consumers. His current mainstream positions with publicly-listed companies include Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road Group, Executive Chairman of TZ Limited and Chairman of Anteo Diagnostics.

Mark, appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 for significant service to the finance industry, particularly the home loan mortgage sector, to education, and to charitable organisations, currently sits on the Western Sydney University Foundation Council and is an Adjunct Professor for Banking and Finance and Business Law and Tax at UNSW Australia Business School. He is also an alumni of UNSW Australian Business School and works with the university to mentor tomorrow’s business leaders.

The author of Wealth Wizard, The Yellow Brick Road to Your Financial Security, and What it Takes, Mark Bouris writes for some of Australia’s most recognised publications, including News Corp’s Money Saver HQ. Away from television cameras and boardrooms, he’s an ardent rugby league follower and sits on the board of the Sydney Roosters.

Farmer, animal behaviouralist, presenter and spokesperson. Big Brother Alumni.

Farmer Dave is youngest of 11 kids and grew up on a beef cattle, cropping and sheep station that has grown to almost 100,000 acres. Like many restless bushies who deal with the intensity of droughts and floods, he's tried to pack as much into his 40 years as possible. 

​He walked the catwalks and graced the billboards of Europe at 19, travelled to over 80 countries on a quest to understand the people and places of the planet, used reality TV to change people's views about gay Australians and raise awareness of the plight of drought stricken farmers, built a lamb business that changed the consumer producer relationships, built the worlds premier dog Disneyland and education facility, became an internationally recognised dog training expert and MC, introduced a plethora of dog sports to dog lovers around the world, and runs a host of education and entertainment platforms to build relationships between the city and country. 

Let's just say he has done a lot, seen a lot, shared a lot and is able to articulate complex issues to people who are often unaware of what is going on outside their lives. After working with the incredible team at Ruff Track, he has taken on their amazing philosophy of empowerment to young people in the city.

Event: National Awards

When: Thur 11th, 7.00 PM

When: PW1

Dress: Black Tie

The National Awards - the night of nights, the time to get dressed to impress and celebrate the best of the best with us at the Princess Wharf 1. The night will start with some pre dinner drinks, where you can catch up with friends before the formalities start.

We will enjoy a fabulous three course meal with accompanying beverages while we hear the results of the network's best.

Special Guest

The following awards will be presented:

Event: Taste of Australia Showcase

When: Fri 12th, 9.00 AM

Where: Crowne Plaza Ballroom

Dress: Convention Wear

Our Taste of Australia Showcase takes a small step away from real estate based training, to shine a light on some great Australian stories of marketing, philanthropy and business.

You won't find scripts and dialogues here, or investor relations tips, however, what you will hear will be just as useful to your business with punchy take away pointers and inspiring stories from Australians that should energise you to thrive and prosper.

ATHLETIKAN is an Australian born unisex HYPE sneaker label. (pronounced ath-let-ee-ken)

ATHLETIKAN is all about HYPE.

ATHLETIKAN produces carefully crafted sneakers that can be worn from the street to the gym.

The sneakers are sold exclusively online and are only released in extremely limited runs, sold on a first in, first served basis. Some of the releases regularly sell out within just minutes.

The brand was founded by Joe Tambo & Robbie Ball in 2016. The pair met years earlier whilst completing their marketing degrees. A late night coffee at the iconic Melbourne establishment Brunetti's is where the idea between the pair truly blossomed and became a reality.

After launching their first shoe design in 2017, the brand received global media coverage in major news outlets. The brand has since worked with some of the biggest athletes & entertainers in the world. These include MMA stars Francis Ngannou, Michelle Waterson, Paige VanZant, TJ Dillashaw and Alex Volkanovski; Geordie Shore Star, Aaron Chalmers; Australia's number 1 DJ, Will Sparks, as well as countless reality TV stars, sports stars and global fitness influencers.  

This is just the beginning.

Creator of Award winning Tasmanian Spirits. 30 Years Young.

The brand’s story all began more than 30 years ago, when over a dram of Scottish whisky and with a pair of flyfishing rods at a Tasmanian lake, Bill posed the question to his father-in-law, “Why is no one making whisky in Tasmania?”

Bill soon found out that one of the reasons was Australia’s restrictive laws dating back 150 years, which made it impossible for small-batch alcohol to be distilled. Refusing to be deterred, Bill worked with his local MP to reverse the archaic rules and amend the legislation, so that he could experiment with small stills. “Luckily, he was a chap that enjoyed an odd dram of whisky,” Lark jokes.

Once given the go ahead, Bill and his wife Lyn started distilling Tasmanian bush liqueur, made from the native pepper berry, in their home in Kingston. Today, Lark is a publicly-traded company perched on five-acres of Tasmanian soil with close to 50 employees. Their gross revenue is up +95 per cent year on year to $7.5m, and for the first time, they’re hitting an EBIT profit of +$1.3 million turnaround year on year to $611k.

Over the years, they’ve stayed innovative, creating a variety of other products from XO Brandy to Quiet Cannon Rum to Forty Spotted Gin, but their whisky steals the show. Their Classic Cask, Sherry Cask and Cask Strength, to name a few, have seen them awarded a slew of international and domestic awards. But for Bill, none is more meaningful than his 2015 induction into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.

Legacy is an aptly-named bookend to Bill’s long years of influence and the mark he’s made on the world of Australian spirits, earning him the title of ‘Godfather of Australian Whisky’.

“I don’t think in his wildest dreams that Bill thought we’d be able to taste a Tasmanian 19-year-old single malt when he first started,” says Chris. “This is a true time capsule of the Tasmanian whisky industry. They are a testament to the success of our industry, as much as anything.”

While Lark is no stranger to limited releases — from its dessert-driven Tokay Tokay to the dark and fruity Double Tawny, to the syrupy Oloroso — Legacy is truly rare, with just 538 bottles between the two different casks being released.

Event: FI NA Fair Day

When: Sat 13th, 11.30 AM

Where: PW1

Dress: Convention Wear

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the local royal show going on in your city or town, and we’re bringing that excitement to our FI NA Fair Day. Whether you want to have a friendly competition with your team on the dodgem cars, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks, get involved at the inaugural thong throwing, or take the kids on the family-friendly rides, there is truly something for everyone. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch up and network in this relaxed, entertainment-fuelled environment, and make sure to stop at the General Store to claim your free gifts!

Event: The Great Aussie BBQ

When: Sat 13th, 6.00 PM

Where: PW1

Dress: Australiana

We welcome you to join us for our final night of convention, 'The Great Aussie BBQ'.

If you have been to convention before, you know we know how to put on a party! This one will be no exception, and is definitely not one to be missed.

These are always great nights to celebrate and network with your fellow First National Family.

We can't spoil it and tell you too much, but make sure you have the best Australiana outfit you can think of. Are you going to go as a great Australian movie character; Your favourite Aussie sporting legend, or maybe that infamous bushranger? The limit is your imagination!

Don't miss out  - come and put a shrimp on the barbie with us!

The First National General Store is your hub for Convention. It is the epicentre of all information, products and that 'something special' during your time at the convention.

Drop in, have a chat and collect! Look forward to seeing you there.

Without the support of our Performance Partners and Event Sponsors, Conventions would not be possible!

Educating investors about the benefits of claiming depreciation not only supports them to improve their cash flows, but it also helps property professionals make sales and increase rent rolls.

BMT Tax Depreciation partners with property professionals across Australia to help them gain a competitive edge. BMT offers an Australia-wide service and specialises in comprehensive tax depreciation schedules.

To learn more about depreciation, visit bmtqs.com.au or contact BMT on 1300 728 726.  

BMW Group has had a presence in Australia since 1979 with a national headquarters in Melbourne. This includes offices for our BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad and BMW Financial Services brands, as well as a globally certified national training centre, fully equipped workshop and parts distribution centre that support our national dealer network. We share the values of our global company that are based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The BMW Group sets the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. Our product line-up is constantly evolving amid the industry’s transition to electrification and we offer among the most electrified models of any manufacturer represented in Australia. We are also a prominent voice in advocating for a more favourable market environment to introduce our product lines and provide optimal solutions for our customers now and into the future.

Brooksfield is an Australian menswear brand known for its high-quality range of shirts. Brooksfield shirts are crafted from premium cotton and feature contemporary cuts, subtle patterns and signature details.

Brooksfield Express is an online offering of core products, suitable for the modern workplace, and is available only to corporate customers.

Why CoreLogic?

We’re a proudly independent business with an unrivalled reputation for delivering the very latest, accurate and powerful property insights and analytics.

What We Do

As the leading provider of property data and analytics, our clients turn to us to help them capitalise on growth opportunities, improve business performance and manage risk.

Openn is a digital property sales platform that helps agents to negotiate, digitally contract and sell more property. The platform offers enhanced transparency to attract more buyers, maximise the sale price, and secure your next listing. Openn supports the existing sales methods you love, but with added digital agility and efficiency.

REI Super is the only super fund built by, and for real estate professionals.

In 1975, REI Super was built to serve you and your industry. That means we make super easier because we truly ‘get’ what you do.

Our track record of delivering strong returns which exceed benchmarks, combined with lower fees, means more money goes into building your super.

With over 24,000 members and approximately $2B in funds under management, REI Super is small enough to offer genuine, personalised service, yet big enough to provide tailored insurance which allows for commissions.

As is the case with all conventions, we like to show how much fun we are having, so make sure to post all of your adventures with the hashtag: 

#fnconvention

Back for another year, our selfie competition is your opportunity to get creative, have a bit of fun, and be in the running to win lots of cool prizes, including a discounted registration to our 2024 convention. This year, we are asking you to get especially imaginative with your posing in each photo. Below are some examples from your Head Office team of what you could look to re-create, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it!

To be in the running to win lots of cool prizes, including discounted Convention 2024 tickets, we ask that you take photos as per the above, making sure to feature the #fnconvention hashtag on every single post and include members from different states and territories:
 

1. Post a photo of you at your favourite spot in Hobart
2. Take an OOTD (outfit of the day) photo with one of our performance partners
3. Take a video or Instagram Reel dancing with a staff member from Head Office
4. Take a photo with a national award winner
5. Post a photo of you at your favourite spot at the convention
6. Take a photo with your favourite Australiana costume
7. Take a photo with a member from FI NA
8. Take a photo with a member you’ve never met before
9. Take a photo with your best friend (not from your office)
10. Take a video or Instagram Reel with a member having the same drink as you
11. Take a photo at the Athletikan stall
12. Take a photo out front of the First National Real Estate Hobart office

Here are the winners who won a free registration to Hobart at last year’s convention in Bangkok - will you be next?!

It’s hard to believe there have been so many conventions! Do you remember how many you have been to and where they were? Take a little trip down memory lane with us.

Sustainability

Over the years, First National has made the conscious decision to vastly reduce the amount of printed materials that we provide at our events. Where possible we use technological solutions in place of the truck loads of paper that we used to take to our events.

Being in Tasmania and in such a prominent area, The PW1 venue we have chosen is right on top of sustainability and are leading the way in doing so. The venue has solar panels on the roof which produce much of the power for the venue. With regards to water, a rainwater system has been installed whereby rainwater is captured from the roof and is utilised in the toilet system. With regards to waste management, PW1 recycle an extremely high percentage of their waste. 

With regards to the Crowne Plaza hotel, sustainable practice is woven into each part of the guest experience, from checking in with bamboo keycards, to bulk bathroom amenities that help to eliminate single-use plastics. Crowne Plaza Hobart is working towards a greener experience for every guest. They also do the following :
- ORCA food waste technology in kitchens
- An all-digital experience in-room, eliminating the majority of plastic and paper collateral
- Additional IHG points for less room servicing (IHG Greener Stay Program)
- Bulk amenities in guestroom to eliminate small single-use containers
- No plastic straws in hotel
- Digital business cards and E-signature technology for a paperless contracting process
- Sustainably sourced produce suppliers
- Monthly monitoring, recording and optimising of energy and water (IHG Green Engage program)
- Recording monthly general waste and disposables as well as recyclable waste (IHG Green Engage program)

Recently, the Crowne Plaza installed and activated the solar panel system, month to date they have saved 112 trees by using this green energy. They are the first and only hotel in the Hobart CBD who has invested in solar panels.

The Mövenpick hotel focuses on the wellness of clients. The hotel offers a selection of energy shots blended with juice or yoghurt to help guests get their day off to an energetic start. Combined with an array of fresh fruit and vegetables, these will be available during breakfast service. Healthy options will also be available across the menu, served as table service or an express ‘Grab and Go’ takeaway.

Bathrooms feature a range of sustainable amenities.

Although many of the world’s leading hotel groups are Green Globe accredited, none have come close to matching Mövenpick’s performance in terms of its sustainability ranking by compliance score, the number of properties completing certification, and the length of time properties have maintained this status. These achievements demonstrate the hotel's commitment to sustainable management plans that are transparent and adhere to world-leading best-practice standards.

Safety

The First National Convention is managed and conducted within all the rules, regulations and requirements to provide a safe working environment. As a result, all WH & S requirements are applicable during the event. Naturally, we want all delegates to be afforded the opportunity to engage, learn, and enjoy all the social events.

Our request is that during your attendance at our convention, you abide by these requirements and also set the standard for other delegates where your conduct can be seen as an example to others. 

Wellness

Wellness of every member of our First National family is of the utmost importance, as demonstrated most recently during our Workplace Wellbeing Webinar Series with EQ Minds. This year we have included our Good Start Wellness Session for those that want to get moving and have a healthy start to their day. Our qualified trainer that will be hosting this sessions is Seb Randolph from SRPT Training.

Don't miss your 7.00 am Good Start Wellness Session with Seb!

Q. What events are my kids able to come to?
A. We welcome kids to attend the Sponsor & Product Expo, FI NA Fair Day and Great Aussie BBQ until 8pm.

Q. My partner is thinking of attending Convention with me, what can they do while I attend sessions?
A. First National Conventions have always been about our agents, as well as our extended First National family! We have real estate based sessions, but we also have a number of other sessions that would apply to any industry, for those that don't want 'real estate' specific training. In particular, our keynote speaker and our Taste of Australia Showcase, as well as all of our social events, including FI NA Fair day, Great Aussie BBQ and Awards, which are all suitable for all participants to attend, and of course if they are early risers, our Good Start Wellness sessions in the morning would be great.

Q. What is actually included in my Convention registration price?
A. Convention Registration includes attendance at all sessions including Taste of Australia Showcase, accommodation, all meals and beverages as per the convention agenda, FI NA Fair Day, themed Finale event and National Awards evening. All that you need to cover is your flights to Hobart and transfers to the hotel, and anything extra you wish to do while you are down there.

Q. When should I arrive in Hobart so I don't miss anything?
A. Like all First National conventions, many of our delegates choose to come early or extend their stay, but as a minimum you should arrange to arrive in Hobart no later than Wednesday 10 May (ready for welcome drinks that night) and depart Sunday 14th May (the day after the Finale Event).

Q. Travel - how do I go about booking my flights?
A. With regard to all Conventions held in Australia, you need to get yourself to the venue - in this case Hobart, whether you choose to drive and take the Spirit of Tasmania or, like most people, take the fastest option which is to fly. So that you have the most options available to you and to lessen the cost of flights, our main suggestion here is not to leave booking your flights until the last minute. Flights can be booked through your preferred provider, online or through our preferred travel partner - Richard at Platinum Travel at firstnational@ptc.travel

Q. I'm not very mobile..how do I get to the events if they are offsite?
A. Our events team would be more than happy to help, please let us know on events@firstnational.com.au prior to the event so that we can assist.

Q. I am driving down to Hobart, will there be parking available at the hotel?
A. Yes, there will be parking available at both hotels. Please let us know at events@firstnational.com.au so that we can ensure there is a space for you.

Q. What is the dress code for convention?
A. Generally the dress code for convention is smart business attire, however we do have some events that require dress that is outside that requirement. If you check out each event page it lists exactly what you are required to wear! But the main ones are - a black tie outfit for the awards and an Australiana inspired outfit for our finale!

Q. I am on track to win a number of trophies, how do I travel back with them all?
A. We know this can be a struggle, so all photographs on the night will be taken with a 'stand in trophy', however your real trophy will be on its way to your office safe and sound so no extra travel space required!

Q. What is the weather going to be like in Hobart?
A. During the day it is a comfortable 15 degrees and then it cools down to a brisk 8 degrees at night. Please rest assured that all of our events are in a toasty and warm indoor environment, but we suggest bringing a snug jacket to get from your hotel to the event space or if you are out sightseeing.

Q. I have never been to a convention before..where do I look to find out all the information?
A. You are in the right place - most of the important stuff is here on the convention website, however if there is something that we have not covered please click the button below or contact your BGM and we would be more than happy to help you.

Do you have a question that we haven't covered that you need to know? Click below and we would be happy to come back to you with an answer.